nutrient

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈnü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
ˈnyü-
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2

noun

: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life
Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Most frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.Robert Lee Smith
Sandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.Sunset

Examples of nutrient in a Sentence

Adjective a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins Noun Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients. The soil is low in nutrients. You need more nutrients in your diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The largest dead zone in America occurs every summer, when nutrient pollution from the Mississippi River Basin enters the Gulf of America and creates a dead zone of about 4,300-6,500 square miles. Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 This can lead to fatigue, hair loss, and nutrient deficiencies. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
Coconut water and electrolyte drinks (sports drinks) contain water and nutrients essential for hydration and electrolyte balance. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025 Fiber is an indigestible nutrient that's concentrated in most plant foods. Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nutrient

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin nutrient-, nutriens, present participle of nutrire to nourish — more at nourish

First Known Use

Adjective

1650, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutrient was in 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutrient substance or ingredient

Medical Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient

More from Merriam-Webster on nutrient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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